Three news stories to follow

This is an interesting spring to be learning about nuclear technology!  There are three major nuclear news stories right now that I think we should all be following in detail.  They all deal with nuclear weapons, which we will be covering in a lot more depth later in the semester. However, if needed I'll rearrange some of the in-class material to facilitate ongoing discussion of these topics. Browse the articles below (or any others you may find), keep your eyes and ears open for the latest updates, and collect any questions about these subjects so we can discuss them in class!

Topic 1:  the U.S. Nuclear Posture Review:
Every four years or so, the U.S. government reviews its nuclear weapons policy.  Even though we are well past the cold war era, there is a lot of subtlety and complexity to our policy for nuclear weapons development, strategy, and potential use.  The 'posture review' discussion takes place between the administration and the Department of Defense, and the final document describing U.S. nuclear weapons policy is generally classified.  However, a public version is usually released.  We're anxiously awaiting the Obama administration's version, but it keeps getting delayed.  Madeline posted one article a couple of days ago, and here are a couple of opinion/commentary pieces:
New York Times editorial on the Nuclear Posture Review
Foreign Policy's 'The Cable' blog posting on delays in the Nuclear Posture Review 


Topic 2:  Negotiations over the START Treaty with Russia:
For decades, the U.S. and Russia (or the Soviet Union previously) have written and signed treaties for mutual arms reduction (with some mixed success).  The STrategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) was one of the more successful arms reduction efforts.  However, it recently expired in December of 2009.  Throughout the last year, the Obama administration and the Russian government have been attempting to negotiate a replacement treaty.  While the public hasn't heard a lot about this, these debates have led to some pretty scary rhetoric and escalating tensions between the two nations at times.  Supposedly, an agreement is right around the corner (although, that's been the case for months).  Here are a few updates:
CNN article giving an update on the START negotiations
Reuters update


Topic 3:  Iran's Nuclear Ambitions and the International Response
Last fall, secret nuclear facilities in Iran were revealed, sparking the beginning of a big international mess.  Iran maintains that its nuclear program is solely intended to provide nuclear power (electricity).  However, their infrastructure does not seem consistent with this, and most international observers believe there is ample evidence that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons.  Iran's internal political situation is fairly unstable, and the rhetoric coming out of the government is confusing and often confrontational.  The Obama administration has been trying to get international support for sanctions against Iran, to force them to give up their nuclear technology program.  A few recent updates:
Bloomberg News Agency Article on Iran sanctions
New York Times article highlighting another confusing move by Iran

Once again, you may find better articles in the coming days about each of these topics (please post if you do!)